NumBum - TIBET EXPLORER

TIBET EXPLORER

Our TIBET EXPLORER must be considered one of the world's great journeys. From the pace, culture and sightseeing of Lhasa to the arid open lands of the Tibetan Plateau this tour will not disappoint. The scenery alone is worth the trip, sand dunes, windswept plains and glacier clad mountains are just some of the sights. The wind becomes the familiar sound. We will see nomadic herders and their yak hair yurts, camp under starry skies and visit monasteries. There will many opportunities for short afternoon hikes and photography as the pace is relaxed. After all, we are indeed in the rarified air of the high Tibetan Plateau

Day one: Arrive in Katmandu and transfer to the Everest Hotel. In the evening there will be a dinner with folk dancing and music.

Day two: I lead us on a tour of the Katmandu valley and visit the Boudhanath Stupa, Pashupatinath Hindu temple with its cremation ghats, and my favorite, Syanboudhanath, the "Monkey Temple".

Day three, four and five: We fly to Lhasa over the imposing Himalayas and a chance to view Everest, Lhotse, Cho Oyo, Makalu, Shishapangma and the triple summit crown of Kangchenjunga. In Lhasa we will catch our breath and tour the sights of this ancient city. In Lhasa we will visit the Potala and Norbulika palaces, Drepung and Sera Monasteries, Jokhnag (the Sistine Chapel of Tibet)Temple and Barkhor Bazar.

Day six: We pack up our gear and board our Landcruiser for the road to Shigatse. In the morning we visit Khumbhum Stupa and Phalkor Monastery at Gyantse. Then after a two hour drive we arrive at Shigatse and tours of The Tashilunpo Monastery and the Tibetan Market.

Day seven: A long day winding through the empty plains. From Shigatse to Xegar is about eight hours of driving but we cover only 244km. Along the way we will take time to eat and stretch our legs.

Day eight: From Xegar we travel over rough roads to Dza Rongphu. We are now on the road to Everest!

Day nine and ten: Today we arrive at the famous Rongbuk Monastery and will make our camp here. After several long days of travel it will be nice to take short day hikes and watch the endless play of light across the north face of Everest. For those who are feeling fit Everest Base Camp is an optional hike of just two hours.

Day eleven: Bid farewell to Rongbuk, after loading the Landcruiser we bounce our way to the town of Tingri. Tingri is the home to the Crystal Cathedral, an ancient fortress built more than 500 years ago.

Day twelve: the road takes us over two spectacular passes, the Lalung La and Nalamu. We reach the Tibet/Nepal border and spend our last night in Tibet.

Day thirteen: We cross the border, wait until you see this stretch of road, and drive to the village of Dhulikhet. The hillsides are now green and the difference in terrain is striking.

Day fourteen: We stay the night at the Hotel in Nagarkhot surrounded by moist air and views of the south face of Everest.

Day fifteen: Before we complete the return drive to Katmandu and the Everest Hotel and if time allows, we visit Shivapuri Wildlife Reserve. Once back in this bustling city, do not be surprised if your wishes were those of being back on the Tibetan Plateau.

Day sixteen: After a leisurely breakfast we will tour the 16th century village of Baktapur and return to Katmandu for an afternoon of shopping. In the evening we will have a farewell dinner. This is a good opportunity to exchange address if you haven't already done so.

Day seventeen: Transfer to the airport and begin the journey home.

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